Gun reform organization Change The Ref is raising awareness about 3D-printed guns with 3D printing technology of its own – a 3D-printed sculpture the group is calling “the first 3D activist” in a campaign created in collaboration with the agency Alma.
The sculpture is modeled after Joaquín Oliver, Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting victim and son of Change The Ref founders Manuel and Patricia Oliver.
Entitled “Guac is Back,” the campaign is centered around a 3D sculpture of Joaquín holding a bouquet of flowers, in tribute to the Valentine’s Day gift for his girlfriend he was holding when he died.
The statue of Joaquín is wearing a pin which, when scanned with a smartphone, directs viewers to a website collecting signatures for a petition demanding action against 3D-printed guns and encourages visitors to register to vote.
An emotional video features Manuel Oliver explaining that his family fled gun violence in Venezuela to settle in the U.S. and that Joaquin himself was an activist.
The statue of Joaquín is wearing a pin which, when scanned with a smartphone, directs viewers to a website collecting signatures for a petition demanding action against 3D-printed guns and encourages visitors to register to vote.
“The last day I saw my son was Valentine’s Day, so he was bringing flowers for his girlfriend.
We all have the right to react however we want. But the way we react will also be part of who you are. I lost my son and my best friend which is very painful. I can just be sad or fight.
It shouldn’t be the ‘new normal‘ to think that our kids could be targets.
This is not about me. This is not about how I feel. This is about my son. He’s part of what the kids are asking for.
Those kids you saw in Washington now have a new member.
Thank you to the @MiamiHeat & @DwyaneWade for all the love and support that they’ve shown to @ChangeTheRef and Oliver family!
ChangeTheRef and the kids thank the outstanding Miami Heat organization for going above and beyond to keep Joaquin’s voice alive through our mission and to bring smile to all of his friends faces!
Please watch this video and share with others so that we can spread the word about how we are trying to change the world!
Be a part of the change we are making in this world.
Just another traveler on life's highway hanging out in the slow lane. It's quiet, it's peaceful. Beyond the horizon is rest calling my name. Green pastures, still waters, my cup runneth over.
~~November 5, 2018~~ 
